(Reuters) – President Volodymyr Zelenskiy delivered his New Year address on Monday, emphasizing Ukraine’s strength in overcoming challenges in its ongoing war against Russia, which is now entering its second year.
Zelenskiy’s 20-minute video message, presented from his office in Kyiv, did not directly discuss the situation on the 1,000-km front line or the limited success of a counteroffensive launched in June. He also did not address the difficulties in securing continued military and other aid from the U.S. Congress and the European Union.
Zelenskiy mentioned that the war had taught Ukrainians to withstand Russian attacks and adapt to hardships, such as blackouts, the operation of industry, and threats to shipping its exports. He emphasized that the main achievement of the year is that Ukraine has become stronger, with its citizens becoming more resilient.
Zelenskiy included footage of cities under attack and meetings with leaders of Ukraine’s Western allies in his address. He praised Ukrainians for enduring the most difficult winter in history and proving their strength in the face of challenges, blockades, and vetoes.
He highlighted Ukrainian successes in containing and attacking Russia’s navy in the Black Sea, as well as the country’s efforts in improving its air defenses and securing pledges for the supply of F-16 fighter aircraft. Zelenskiy also promised to boost domestic weapons production and produce at least 1 million drones in the next year.
In an attempt to encourage more people to defend their own country, Zelenskiy urged those who are “still hesitating to make a bold choice next year, to defend their own country, to work for it, to help it.”
(Reporting by Ron Popeski and Oleksandr Kozhukhar; Editing by Mark Porter)
